Lasantha Wickrematunge and his mark on the nation – By Gamini de Silva
Source :ceylontoday
Lasantha Wickrematunge, the late Journalist, politician and broadcaster remains one of Sri Lanka’s most significant and revered figures. Lasantha’s career was marked as an ardent defence of civil liberties and a fearlessness in the face of immense danger, qualities that have left its badge on the nation.
Wickrematunge’s most prominent contribution to Sri Lanka was his mark on the Media, particularly during a time when Sri Lanka was engulfed in war and political instability. As the Editor of The Sunday Leader, he used his platform to hold power to account, fearlessly addressing issues that many others would avoid. This included exposing government corruption, human atrocities and the mismanagement of public resources.
What set Lasantha apart was his dedication to virtue. Despite the rising threat of violence against journalists, especially during the period of escalating violence in 2007, Lasantha remained firm in his mission to report independently and honestly. He understood the dangers, yet he never allowed them to dictate his stance or the scope of his journalistic inquiry.
In his famous editorial, “And Then They Came for Me,” published posthumously, Lasantha reflected on the perilous state of journalism in Sri Lanka. In this piece written just weeks before his assassination, he lamented the growing climate of impunity and censorship but, also expressed a defiant hope that the truth would eventually prevail. His death, tragically, underscored the risks journalists face in a country where the pursuit of truth is often met with violence and intimidation.
Being a journalist was just one of the many hats he wore; he was a voice for the weak and during the final years of the Sri Lankan Civil War, when atrocities were committed by both the Government Forces and the Tamil Tigers, he used his political influence and position to call for peace. His work exposed the suffering of ordinary civilians caught in the crossfire and he sought to shed light on the abuses carried out by both sides.
At a time when many in the media either ignored or downplayed human rights violations, Lasantha gave a voice to the suppressed he highlighted the ethical responsibility that journalists have in documenting and confronting wars.
Lasantha Wickrematunge’s assassination in January 2009 marked a tragic turning point for Sri Lanka and the Media.
His memory lives through the work of those who continue to follow in his footsteps and his contributions to journalism are often cited as an inspiration for young reporters and media professionals. In the years following his death, international organisations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, have continued to fight the cause of justice for Lasantha and other journalists who have paid the ultimate price for their work.
His murder catalysed global awareness about the dire state of press freedom in Sri Lanka. Despite continued challenges to media freedom in the country, Lasantha’s name has become connected with any fight for peaceful resolution and the protection of the rights of the people of Sri Lanka.
Lasantha Wickrematunge’s mark on the nation is undeniable. As a journalist, he exemplified the values of integrity and a moral responsibility. Lasantha became a symbol of the profound role the media plays.
While his tragic death was a significant loss for Sri Lanka, his life’s work remains a powerful reminder of the importance of holding governments accountable and promoting human self-worth. His contributions continue to inspire those who seek to follow his example, ensuring that his memory will remain deeply etched in the Sri Lankan history.
Last year Father Gamini Cyril in a press conference revealed that there is evidence that the perpetrators for the 2019 Sunday Easter attacks are also responsible for the murder of Lasantha.
As of now, the case surrounding Lasantha Wickrematunge’s assassination remains unresolved. Despite ongoing calls for justice from both local and international organisations, the investigation into his death, which took place in January 2009, has faced numerous delays and setbacks. Several suspects have been named, but no one has been convicted. The lack of closure in the case continues to highlight concerns about the safety of journalists and press freedom in Sri Lanka. Efforts to ensure accountability and bring justice for Lasantha are still ongoing, with many hoping that his legacy will inspire hopeful judicial system for Sri Lanka.
Speaking exclusively to Ceylon Today Raine Wickrematunge the wife of Lasantha Wickrematunge spoke of the optimism she feels that justice for Lasantha is now at reach.
“At the risk of sounding overly optimistic, I am excited to say that it finally appears that justice will be served for Lasantha. I previously expressed similar optimism in 2015, but those hopes were dashed. When I launched Lasantha’s biography in 2023, an interviewer asked if I held out hope that the case would be solved. My response was an emphatic ‘no’, which disappointed some people. I reasoned that since the authorities had ample opportunity to solve the case previously, there was little reason to expect a breakthrough in 2023.
However, I also expressed hope that a new administration, unencumbered by agendas, would take office and finally solve Lasantha’s case. Under Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Presidency, that dream now seems within reach. My family, loved ones of others who were murdered, and I now dare to hope that justice will finally be served this year.”
